NCJ Number
199399
Journal
SIECUS Report Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: October/November 2000 Pages: 24-27
Date Published
October 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the concept of a “continuum of touch” that is important to teach survivors and educators of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The author explains that there is debate among educators and therapists concerning whether it is appropriate to touch their clients in the course of treatment. The type of touch the author is discussing is the compassionate touch of a caring person, not the abusive touch of a child sexual abuser. However, in recent years, any type of touch between therapist and client may be construed as inappropriate. The author coined the term “touch continuum” as a tool to ensure touch is discussed in a balanced way, in which good and bad touch is distinguished between and the importance of good touch is not lost. The author explains the “touch continuum” and how it should be used to teach children that while some types of touch are sexually abusive, other types of touch are appropriate and even positive. In conclusion, the author notes that the “touch continuum” is not free from ambiguity, which is its major drawback given society’s dislike for ambiguity, especially with such an important topic.